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Recurring drought worsening chronic food insecurity in Haiti
Drought has killed crops in Haiti’s poorest region, pushing the people even closer to the margins of survival.
At least 43 percent of households in Haiti’s northwest suffer from food insecurity, compared to a national average of about 30 percent, according to Government statistics.
More than 1.5 million people continue to face severe food insecurity in Haiti and about 82,000 children under five are malnourished, according to the UNOCHA.
The worsening disaster is caused by drought and the impact of hurricanes ISSAC and SANDY, which battered the country last year, said UNOCHA spokesperson.
SANDY struck Haiti in October leaving a trail of destruction and severely damaging the economy.
EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS WEATHER RECORDS BROKEN CLIMATE RELATED DISASTERS .
Climate change already increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events in Australia
“Continuing hot on the heels of the ‘Angry Summer’ of 2012/2013, Australians again endured record breaking extreme events this summer.” —Climate Council of Australia
Intense and prolonged heatwaves and record hot days, severe drought and rainfall deficiency, and bushfires dominated the 2013/2014 summer, according to the latest “Angry Summer” report issued by the Australian Climate Council.
The report finds that many of Australia’s largest population centers face increased risk from extreme weather events, including heatwaves, drought and bushfires, impact of which are serious and costly on people, property, communities and the environment.
Examples of the extreme weather events include
Eight of the hottest summers on record in Australia have occurred in the last fifteen years
Sydney had its driest summer in 27 years
Canberra experienced 20 days of at least 35°C
Melbourne experienced its hottest ever 24 hour period (average 35.5°C)
Adelaide had a record of 11 days of 42°C or more during the summer
Perth had its second hottest summer on record
38 spots in New South Wales and 45 in Queensland saw their driest summer on record
More than 280,000 hectares of Victoria’s land were consumed by February fires
Record high maximum temperatures plagued more than 8.8 percent of Australia during the first four days of January, including 17 percent of New South Wales, 17 percent of the Northern Territory, 16 percent of Queensland and 8 percent of South Australia, said the report.
Record-breaking heatwaves significantly impacted Australia’s major population centers.
Victoria experienced its hottest four days on record from 14–17 January,
Melbourne set a record for four consecutive days at 41°C or higher (14–17 January)
Adelaide experienced a record-breaking five consecutive days of 42°C and above
Canberra had a record run of four days of 39°C and recorded 20 days of at least 35°C
Natural disasters cost China about $70 billion in 2013
Droughts and deluge, earthquakes and typhoons cost China about $70 billion in 2013, nearly twice the total in 2012.
The National Statistics Bureau reported flooding and mudslides cost China about $32billion in 2013, an increase of nearly 11 percent on previous year, said Reuters.
Damage from droughts nearly quadrupled to about $15billion, while storm surges, snowfall and freezes cost an additional $7 billion.
Seismic disasters, primarily the deadly Sichuan Earthquake, added more than $16 billion to the total.
[For a comprehensive listing of disasters in China search blog content.]
China is the world’s biggest energy-related CO2 emitter (23.6% in 2009), and 2nd biggest cumulative energy-related CO2 emitter during the 158-year period between 1850 and 2008, accounting for about 9.37 % of the total.
Top Ten cumulative energy-related CO2 emitters (1850 – 2008)
1. The United States (28.56 %)
2. China (9.37%)
3. Russia (7.98%)
4. Germany (6.77%)
5. United Kingdom (5.78%)
6. Japan (3.94%)
7. France (2.75%)
8. India (2.53%)
9. Canada (2.18%)
10. Ukraine (2.14%)
Seawater intrusion affecting 2 million people in Shanghai
Meanwhile, CNTV reported:
Seawater is causing problems for two million people in Shanghai. The city is enduring its longest-lasting salt tide in more than 20 years. As of this morning, the salt tide intrusion has already lasted for 21 days, the longest since 1993. Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River.
The intrusion occurs periodically, especially in winter and spring when the Yangtze water level is relatively low. High salt levels in water is harmful to people’s health, machinery, and crops. Shanghai’s water authorities say the reservoir built in 1993 can only hold a ten-day water supply. They’ve established a comprehensive plan to coordinate the city’s waterworks and appealed to the national government for support.
Chen Guoguang, senior engineer of Water Supply Distribution & Monitoring Center, said, “Together with the previous two salt tides, the intrusion this time is causing huge harm to our water safety. The whole process isn’t expected to end until early next month.”
Toxic fumes from burning open-pit coal mines threaten thousands in Latrobe Valley, Australia
Fires in the Hazelwood and Yallourn coal mines have been burning for 13 days, sending thick, toxic fumes and ash over Latrobe Valley [pop: 130,000] in the Australian state of Victoria.
The blaze was ignited by bushfires earlier this month and is burning over a 2.5-km front close to the town of Morwell, 130km east of Melbourne.
“Morwell on Fire.” Apocalyptic fumes blanket the town of Morwell in Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia. Screenshot from a news clip byabc.net.au
Australia’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a high-level alert after the air pollution index topped 1,300 Friday afternoon.
The toxic smoke and ash from the fires forced ABC Australia to evacuate staff from its newsroom on Morwell’s main street, said the network.
Several schools and childcare centers in Morwell have been closed, and hundreds of students relocated to schools in neighboring towns, said ABC.
Kiery-Anne Clissold who lives in Morwell said:
We have had a recent normal spate of bushes…but the fire has gotten into the Open Cut Coal Mine. Into the Seam, which happens to have a town built on it. It has been burning for weeks with no sign of being controlled or put out. The locals are being poisoned by the pollutants in the Volcano like smoke that continually spews out of this disgusting hole in our beautiful planet. We need some help here. Thought your organisation should know.
Crop disasters declared in 43 counties due to drought, flash flooding, flooding, excessive heat, excessive rain, lightning, high wind…
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated ten counties in two states—Maine and New Hampshire—as crop disaster areas due to losses caused by flash flooding, flooding, excessive heat, excessive rain, lightning and high wind that occurred April 1 – October 31, 2013. Those counties are
Maine: Androscoggin, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln and York counties.
New Hampshire: Carroll and Coos counties.
Excessive Moisture and Heat
USDA has designated a total of eight counties in Massachusetts and Connecticut as crop disaster areas due to losses caused by excessive moisture and heat that occurred during the 2013 crop year.
Those counties are
Massachusetts: Hampden, Hampshire, Berkshire, Franklin and Worcester counties.
Connecticut: Hartford, Litchfield and Tolland counties.
Crop Disaster Declared for 25 Counties in Four States due to Drought
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 25 counties in four states as crop disaster areas due to the recent drought. The disaster designations are for the states of California, Oregon, New Mexico and Colorado.
The disaster designation areas in California are Del Norte, Humboldt and Siskiyou counties.
Oregon: Curry and Josephine counties.
New Mexico: DeBaca, Harding, Rio Arriba, Taos, Chaves, Los Alamos, Roosevelt, San Miguel, Colfax, Mora, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Guadalupe, Quay, San Juan, Union and Lincoln counties.
Colorado: Archuleta, Conejos and Costilla counties.
Notes:
1. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.
2. The total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.
3. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.
4. A number of counties have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.
5. The disaster designations were approved by USDA on February 5, 2014.
2014 Federal and Agriculture Disaster Declarations
More than 1,000 people were killed in Iraq in January 2014
On average, 35 people have been killed in Iraq each day, so far this year.
According to the United Nation’s Assistance (!) Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), a total of733 people were killed nationwide in terrorist and violent acts during the month of January. The UNAMI death figure includes 618 civilians and 115 members of the security forces. Additionally, 1,229 others were wounded.
According to Iraq Body Count, the number of civilians killed in the January bloodbath were 1,076.
Some 8,868 Iraqis, including 7,818 civilians and civilian police personnel, were killed in 2013, according to UNAMI.
Iraq Body Count puts the number of civilians killed in violent acts at 9,475 for 2013.
All figures remain estimates until full investigation and analysis has been carried out. Source: UNAMI/ UN Iraq.
If the death toll for November 2012 remains an estimate more than 14 months later…
Crop Disasters Hit 89 Counties Across Three States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 86 counties in Michigan, two counties in Wisconsin and one in Ohio as agricultural disaster areas in three different designations due to multiple disasters.
Designation #1
USDA has designated 56 counties in Michigan as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by excessive rain with cooler than normal temperatures that began April 1, 2013, and continues.
The designation includes also the following areas in neighboring states:
Ohio: Lucas County.
Wisconsin: Iron and Vilas counties.
Designation #2
USDA has also designated 5 counties in Michigan as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by drought with cooler than normal temperatures that occurred August 1 – September 28, 2013.
The disaster areas are:
Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Wexford and Benzie counties.
Designation #3
USDA has further designated 25 counties in Michigan as crop disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by the combined effects of excessive rain that occurred April 1 – July 29, 2013, and returning October 15, 2013, and continuing. The designation also includes drought that occurred July 30 – October 15, 2013, and cooler than normal temperatures which spanned the entire disaster period. The counties are:
Alpena, Grand Traverse, Mecosta, Montmorency, Antrim, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Osceola, Otsego, Wexford, Alcona, Cheboygan, Isabella, Manistee, Benzie, Clare, Lake, Montcalm, Charlevoix, Crawford, Leelanau, Newaygo, Oscoda, Presque Isle and Roscommon.
Notes:
1. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.
2. Total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.
3. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.
4. A number of counties have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.
5. The disaster designations were approved by USDA on January 22 and released on January 24, 2013.
2013 Ties with 2003 as the fourth warmest year on record: NCDC
2013 was the 37th consecutive year (since 1976) with the annual global temperature remaining above average.
Highlights from NCDC Report
The combined land and ocean surface temperature was 0.62°C (1.12°F) above the 20th century average of 13.9°C (57.0°F).
Currently, the warmest year on record is 2010 with the temperature 0.66°C (1.19°F) above average.
9 of the 10 warmest years since records began in 1880 have occurred in the 21st century.
1990, the third warmest year on record, is the only one of the top 10 records set in 20th century.
Global combined land and ocean annually-averaged temperature rank and anomaly for the 10 warmest years on record (since 1880). Tie is based on temperature anomaly in °C. Data Sourced from NCDC
Global Land Temperature
The average global land temperature in 2013 was 0.99°C (1.78°F) above the 20th century average and ranked as the fourth highest annually-averaged value on record.
Global Ocean Temperature
Globally-averaged ocean surface temperature in 2013 saw an anomaly of 0.48°C (0.86°F) above the 20th century average, tying with 2006 as the eighth warmest year on record, reported NCDC.
The departure was just 0.04°C (0.07°F) below the record high of 0.58°C (1.04°F), which was set in both 1998 and 2003.
NOTE: The 1901-2000 average combined land and ocean annual temperature is 13.9°C (56.9°F), the annually averaged land temperature for the same period is 8.5°C (47.3°F), and the long-term annually averaged sea surface temperature is 16.1°C (60.9°F).
Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters
Some 151 weather/climate disasters have occurred between 1980 and 2013, with the overall damages/costs reaching or exceeding $1 billion (including CPI adjustment to 2013). The total cost of these 151 disasters exceeds $1 trillion, according to NCDC.
The 2013 toll of billion-dollar weather and climate disasters across the United States stands at 7 events, which included five severe weather and tornado episodes, a major flood episode, and the western drought/heat wave.
The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Alaska in the area affected by flooding during the period of October 27-28, 2013.
Severe flooding in the Kenai Peninsula Borough has caused eExtensive damage to public facilities and infrastructure.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said FEMA.
*****
Exile inevitable for America’s first climate refugees
The impact of climate change is more intense in the far north, where temperatures are warming faster than the global average, causing rapid thawing of the sea ice, melting the permafrost and forcing residents of remote Alaskan areas out of their villages, said a report.
Some 184 Alaskan villages, or 86% of all native communities, are at risk because of climate change.
It cost $100 to $400 million just to relocate one village [See full report.]
ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES
Most of Alaska’s native villages are affected by flooding and erosion, but few qualify for federal assistance, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Approximately 6,600 miles of Alaska’s coastline and many of the low-lying areas along the state’s rivers are subject to severe flooding and erosion. Most of Alaska’s Native villages are located on the coast or on riverbanks.
Aerial View of Flooding in Aniak (c. 2002). Source: Alaska Division of Emergency Services
Locations of 184 Native Villages Affected by Flooding and Erosion. Source: GAO.
Permafrost (permanently frozen subsoil) is found over approximately 80 percent of Alaska. It is deepest and most extensive on the Arctic Coastal Plain and decreases in depth, eventually becoming discontinuous further south. In northern Alaska, where the permafrost is virtually everywhere, most buildings are elevated to minimize the amount of heat transferred to the ground to avoid melting the permafrost. In northern barrier island communities, the permafrost literally helps hold the island together. However, rising temperatures in recent years have led to widespread thawing of the permafrost, causing serious damage. As permafrost melts, buildings and runways sink, bulk fuel tank areas are threatened, and slumping and erosion of land ensue. —GAO.
46 Counties across six states designated as crop disaster areas by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 46 counties in six states—Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia—as crop disaster areas in two separate declarations.
Drought conditions and lack of moisture
USDA has declared the following counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin as crop disaster areas due to losses caused by drought conditions and lack of moisture that occurred September 1 – November 15, 2013.
Minnesota: Kanabec, Morrison, Pine, Aitkin, Carlton, Chisago, Isanti, Benton, Cass, Crow Wing, Mille Lacs, Stearns and Todd counties.
Wisconsin: Douglas and Burnett counties.
Excessive rain and flooding
USDA has also designated the following counties in The Carolinas, Tennessee and Virginia as crop disaster areas due to excessive rain and flooding that began January 1, 2013, and continues.
North Carolina: Alleghany, Granville, Polk, Ashe, Harnett, Wilkes, Alexander, Franklin, Moore, Vance, Caldwell, Henderson, Person, Wake, Chatham, Iredell, Rutherford, Watauga, Cumberland, Johnston, Sampson, Yadkin, Durham, Lee and Surry counties.
South Carolina: Greenville and Spartanburg
Tennessee: Johnson County.
Virginia: Grayson, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties.
Crop Disasters 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared 4,447 county-level agricultural disaster areas across 46states in 2013.
State and County level records of calendar year 2013 disaster designations made by the USDA include losses and damages caused by one or more of the following
DROUGHT
FLOOD
Flash flooding
Excessive rain, moisture, humidity
Severe Storms, thunderstorms
Ground Saturation
Standing Water
Hail
Wind, High Winds
Fire, Wildfire
Heat, Excessive heat
High Temp. (incl. low humidity)
Winter Storms, Ice Storms, Snow, Blizzard
Frost, FREEZE
Hurricanes, Typhoons, Tropical Storms
Tornadoes
Volcano
Mudslides, Debris Flows, Landslides
Heavy Surf
Ice Jams
Insects
Tidal Surges
Cold, wet weather
Cool/Cold, Below-normal Temperatures
Lightning
Disease
Notes:
1. USDA trigger point for a countywide disaster declaration is 30 percent crop loss on at least one crop.
2. The total number of counties designated as agricultural disaster areas includes both primary and contiguous disaster areas.
3. The U.S. has a total of 3,143 counties and county-equivalents.
4. A number of counties have been designated crop disaster areas more than once due to multiple disasters.
5. The disaster designations were approved by USDA between January 9 and December 18, 2013.
Recent Federal and Agriculture Disaster Declarations
Flood-ravaged Britain now threatened by ice and heavy snow: Report
Arctic blast and heavy snow plunging Britain into frigid conditions following destruction by mega storms.
The Environment Agency issued a dozen severe flood warnings indicating indicate “danger to life” as rivers reach dangerous levels.
It also posted hundreds of flood warnings and flood alerts following a gigantic storm surge spawned by strong winds and high tides which destroyed coastal towns.
Devon, Cornwall, parts of Wales and southeast England were the worst hit areas, according to reports.
“Hundreds of homes were flooded and officials closed the Thames Barrier to protect properties in London,” said a report.
Britain battered by rounds after rounds of extreme rain events, flooding, heavy snow, hurricane-force winds, colossal tidal surge and extreme weather this winter. Photo credit: PA (Image may be subject to copyright.)
“This weekend and into the beginning of next week there is more wind and rain on the way with 80mph gusts in parts and up to three inches of rain likely in 72 hours. Torrential downpours are going to be devastating in parts of the UK which have been given absolutely no let-up from the stormy weather,” the report quoted a meteorologist as saying.
Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday called another emergency COBRA meeting to review the crisis.
[COBRA: Cabinet Office Briefing Room A – the location for a crisis response committee by the government of the United Kingdom in response to instances of national or regional crisis.]
He said: “A range of ministers from across government will be working very closely with local councils, power companies, utility and transport companies, making sure all those organizations are prepared for the bad weather.”
Fierce storms have lashed the UK since before Christmas with the latest onslaught on Thursday night and yesterday.
Homes have once again been left without electricity after high winds tore down power lines while transport networks have been crippled.
Winter 2013 – 2014 is forecast to be “exceptionally severe,” with above-average snowfall and frigid temperatures, meteorologists say.
We Told You So!
In November 2009, EDRO/FIRE-EARTH Models forecast Climate Change could directly affect about half the population in the UK within 3 to 5 years.
US the biggest threat to global peace in 2013: Poll
The United States is considered to be the greatest threat to peace in the world by 65 nations in a 2013 global survey conducted by the Worldwide Independent Network/Gallup.
According to the survey, 24% of the world believes the United State represents the biggest threat to world peace. The US was followed by Pakistan (8%) and China (6%). Afghanistan, Iran, Israel and North Korea took joint fourth place with 5 percent of the votes.
Some 13% of the U.S. Citizens considered their own country the biggest threat to world peace.[Additionally, 70 percent of Americans believe the US government in incapable of making progress on important issues facing the nation in 2014. ]
Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia took only 1% of the votes, despite being a major sponsor of global terrorism.
Japan received only 4% of the votes, despite its warmongrel prime minister targeting China with $232 billion in weapons purchase.
Previously, Israel had “been described as the top threat to world peace, ahead of North Korea, Afghanistan and Iran, by [59 per cent of those interviewed in] an unpublished European Commission poll of 7,500 Europeans,” according to a report.
Data: WIN/Gallup. Chart: FIRE-EARTH Blog.
WIN/Gallup, allegedly made up of 77independent market research and polling firms, calls itself “the leading association in market research and polling,” and claims to cover 95% of the global market.
The 37th annual “End of Year Survey” of the association was described as “a global study that collects the public view on the challenges that the world faces today,” which allegedly reflects “the thoughts and behaviors” of the populations in 65 countries across the world.
Notes:
Win/Gallup interviewed a total of 67,806 people in 65 countries between September and December 2013.
The survey margin of error is +/- 3.5%.
The global average was calculated according to the proportion of the adult population in the surveyed countries.
Posted by feww on December 31, 2011, FIRE-EARTH said
World’s top 20 countries with the highest arms expenditure
Top 20 countries with the highest military expenditure for 2010 shown as a percentage of the world total. Source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, War Resisters League and others.
NOTES:
1. The “Tier 1 Coalition Countries,” or the countries that obediently support the United States war efforts to maintain its empire status, which include Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Australia, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Spain and the Netherlands account for at least 71% of the world’s total arms procurement.
2. Arms procurement is normally 20-50% of the countries’ military budgets.
3. World’s total arms expenditure for 2010-2011 was estimated at $1,655 billion.
4. The 2012 United States federal budget is a staggering $2,847 billion, of which 48% ($1,372 billion) is allocated to the military. (Source). The figure includes 30% or $869 billion for current military operations, and 18% or $503 billion for past military disasters from Total Outlays of $2,847 billion in 2012 fiscal year. [“The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan—not to mention the Pentagon’s voracious appetite for expensive weapons systems—have been a gold mine for the Big Five: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman and Boeing.” ~ “From Pentagon, a Buy Rating on Contractors,” Joe Nocera, New York Times, Feb. 11, 2011]
According to various estimates, more than 130,000 people have been killed in Syria and about 2.5 million people have fled their homes since the Saudi-backed destabilization of the country began in March 2011.
Iraq Death Toll
The 2014 death toll in Iraq climbed above the 9,500 mark with about 20,000 wounded in hundreds of violent attacks throughout the war-torn country.
Pakistan Death Toll
About 1,550 people were killed and 4,100 others wounded in hundreds of bomb attacks across Pakistan in 2013.
South Sudan Death Toll
“Thousands” of people have been killed in South Sudan and more than 120,000 others displaced, since heavy fighting began on 15 December, 2013 in South Sudan’s capital Juba and quickly spread to four other states, said UN.
Human-enhanced natural disasters affected 390 million people across China
Some 390 million people across the country, or about 30 percent of China’s population, were affected by [human-enhanced] natural disasters, which left at least 1,181 people dead, 431 others missing [and possibly thousands injured] and resulted in direct economic losses of about 593 billion yuan (US$98 billion), according to an annual report issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) on Friday, Xinhua reported.
“The National Committee for Disaster Reduction and the MCA have issued 49 warning or emergency responses in response to various disasters, and a total of 10.1 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) in disaster relief funds was allocated by the central authorities this year,” the report said.
The ministry has also promised to protect “615,000 graves of revolutionary martyrs and 12,000 memorial facilities for them,” the report quoted an official as saying.
-oOo-
China Formally Eases One Child Policy after 30 Years
China’s top legislature passed a resolution easing the country’s one-child policy on Saturday following a six-day meeting , Xinhua reported.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) passed a resolution allowing couples to have two children provided either parent is an only child.
NPC also adopted a proposal to abolish “re-education” through labor camps, said the state news agency.
China introduced its one-child policy in the late 1970s to curtail rapid population growth. However, the policy has reportedly become increasingly unpopular because the country’s aging population is both reducing the labor pool and burdening elderly care systems.
Death Toll Rises to 50 in Brazil Floods; 60,000 Displaced
Dozens of people are confirmed dead, and more than 60,000 others displaced due to severe flooding and landslides in Brazil’s southeast states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo, authorities said.
At least 54 of the 79 municipalities in Espirito Santo (population: 4 million), have declared states of emergency. In Minas Gerais (population: 20 million), the authorities have declared states of emergency in at least 26 municipalities.
Extreme Rain Events in Espirito Santo have inundated roads, bridges and homes. The floods were the “worst ever” since record-taking began 90 years ago, said the Espirito Santo governor Renato Casagrande.
He called the week-long rainstorm “the worst natural disaster in thehistory of Espirito Santo.”
Most of the victims were buried in deadly torrents of mud and authorities say the death toll may rise. Landslides have also destroyed a large number of homes, roads and bridges, burying everything in their paths and leaving dozens of cities (Municipalities) are without electricity and drinking water.
Minas Gerais
In January 2012, Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais (pop: 20 million) declared a States of Emergency in 46 cities following sever flooding.
Flooding and mudslides triggered by extreme rain events in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais left at least 50 people dead, missing or injured and forced more than 10,000 people to flee their homes.
About 3,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
The disasters have affected at least 2 million people.
Rio de Janeiro
The state Civil defense authorities placed several municipalities in Rio de Janeiro under a state of maximum alert following widespread flooding.
The worst-hit area is the municipality of Nova Friburgo, located about 135 km from the state capital Rio de Janeiro [city.]
Tens of Thousands of UK homes remain without power, 1,200 flooded, as more hurricane-force winds and heavy rains threaten Europe
The UK authorities have warned of further significant disruption from floods in southern England, and issued more than 200 flood warnings and alerts throughout England and Wales.
Damage from the last round of storms has caused power cuts and travel delays, as more severe storms approach the country.
River Medway. Photo taken from the Redhill Police and Air Ambulance reveal the extent of the flooding on the Medway, Kent, England. Source: Kent Police Pictures.
Tens of thousands of passengers were stranded before Christmas, with scores of flight delays and cancellations after flooding caused a major power failure in the airport, said a report.
The authorities at Gatwick airport called the weather “unprecedented.”
Meantime, the UK Met Office is warning of another storm system from the Atlantic which is forecast to hit the country by early Friday.
Hurricane force winds with gusts of up to 150 km/h (80mph) are forecast for some coastal areas, said the report.
Deadly floods and landslides kill many, force evacuations in eastern Caribbean islands
Torrential rains, flooding and landslides kill more than a dozen people and force hundreds of others out of their homes on the volcanic islands of St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.
Torrential rains have also caused destruction on the islands of Martinique and Dominica, located north of Saint Lucia, in the eastern Caribbean Sea.
“I don’t think I can recall when we have had such heavy rainfall on the eve of Christmas,” said St Lucia’s Prime Minister.
Other Global Disasters, Significant Events
Israel Demolishes Palestinian Homes
At least 663 Palestinian buildings— including 259 homes— have been demolished, and 1,103 Palestinians have been displaced in the West Bank and East Jerusalem so far this year, according to The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The UN agency has strongly condemned Israel for the demolition of Palestinian Bedouin dwellings in the West Bank.
“UNRWA condemns the latest demolitions in the West Bank, which displaced 68 people, the most recent of which occurred on Christmas Eve,” said a spokesman in a statement.
“The demolitions took place in Ein Ayoub near Ramallah and Fasayil al-Wusta near Jericho in the Jordan valley with 61 persons displaced in Ein Ayoub, and seven persons, all refugees, displaced in Fasayil al-Wusta,” he said, adding that 32 of the victims were children, “including a five year old girl who is paralyzed from the waist down.”
“In addition, some 750 head of sheep and goats are without shelter at this crucial lambing season,” he said.
Father and child walk among their belonging after their homes was demolished by Israeli forces. Source: UNRWA
“Demolitions often occur to facilitate the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, with 60 percent of demolitions occurring in Palestinian communities close to settlement zones,” said NGOs, and rights organizations in a joint statement released earlier in December.
Up to 650,000 homes in northeastern US and southeastern Canada still without electricity days after deadly ice storm. Dozens of fatalities reported in the region, many caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from heating appliances.
Mercury (!) rises above 86 degrees at Oceanside, CA. Warm, dry Santa Ana winds drove temperatures to record or near-record highs in southern California on Wednesday.
Up to 650,000 homes in northeastern US and southeastern Canada still without electricity days after deadly ice storm
Dozens of fatalities reported in the region, many caused by carbon monoxide poisoning from heating appliances.
The ice storm severely impacted a vast area in the US, from Michigan to Maine, and large parts of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in Canada.
Toronto’s Mayor called the ice storm “one of the worst storms in Toronto history.”
The ice storm also battered New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, forcing New York Governor to declare a winter ice storm emergency on Friday in four counties where more than 2 inches of ice covered the roads.
States of emergency were in effect across many towns, cities and counties during the ice storm.
Low Temperature Embarrass MN
Low Temperature in the U.S. on Thursday, December 26, 2013 was -28 degrees (-33ºC) at Embarrass, MN
(as received by 7 am EST December 26), reported NWS Weather Prediction Center.
Record Daily High and Low Temps
As of December 24, 2013 some 983 daily record high temperatures and 1,124 daily record low temperatures were broken or tied across the U.S. for the month, according to National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, North Carolina.
“Red Alert” declared in Santiago metropolitan region as Massive wildfires burn out of control
At least six major fires have destroyed more than 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of forest in Melipilla, 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of the Chilean capital Santiago, officials said.
National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry (ONEMI) has declared a red alert in the Santiago metropolitan region (population: 6.7 million) due to the raging fires and other incidents that have impacted the mountainous regions near the capital.
Fanned by strong winds and high temperatures, the fires were burning out of control for a third day on Wednesday.
More than 2,000 fire crews have been deployed to the fire zones. Evacuations were underway as of posting.
Flash floods wreak havoc in 45 Brazil municipalities, killing at least 30 people, and forcing 50,000 to flee their homes
Flash floods, triggered by Extreme Rain Events that began last week, have caused severe landslides killing at least 30 people and forcing tens of thousands of others to flee their homes.
Some 130 millimeters of rain fell in Espirito Santo state, swamping roads, bridges and homes. The floods were the “worst ever” since record-taking began 90 years ago, said the Espirito Santo governor.
Most of the victims were buried in deadly torrents of mud and authorities say the death toll may rise.
Landslides have also destroyed a large number of homes, roads and bridges, burying everything in their paths and leaving dozens of cities without electricity and drinking water.
Minas Gerais
In January 2012, Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais (pop: 20 million) declared a States of Emergency in 46 cities following sever flooding.
Flooding and mudslides triggered by extreme rain events in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais left at least 50 people dead, missing or injured and forced more than 10,000 people to flee their homes.
About 3,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
The disasters have affected at least 2 million people.
Rio de Janeiro
The state Civil defense authorities placed several municipalities in Rio de Janeiro under a state of maximum alert following widespread flooding.
The worst-hit area is the municipality of Nova Friburgo, located about 135 km from the state capital Rio de Janeiro [city.]
Related Links
Search blog content for a comprehensive list of major flood and landslides in Brazil since 2010.
Thousands of people have been killed since fighting began 10 days ago: UN OCHA
“I think it’s undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives.” Toby Lanzer, the senior UN humanitarian coordinator, told the BBC.
“When I’ve looked at the hospitals in key towns and I’ve looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it’s hundreds of people who’ve lost their lives.”
There are up to “hundreds of thousands,” of people seeking shelter from the fighting , he added, it’s been “a devastating week for South Sudan.”
Five out of 10 states in the country have been affected by the latest round of fighting, according to UN OCHA.
UN OCHA Situation report as of 23 December 2013
The following are highlights of the latest UN report on South Sudan crisis.
The estimated number of people displaced by in the current crisis in South Sudan has risen to 81,000*. Given the limited access to civilians outside population centers, the number is likely to
be significantly higher.
The response to people displaced in Juba is gaining momentum, with registration underway in UNMISS Tomping and food distributions ongoing in both sites.
Priorities for the response to the displaced are food, healthcare, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene services and protection. [Preferably NOT in that order: Editor]
Situation Overview
On 22-23 December, the security situation remained stable but tense in Juba. At least 20,000 people are still sheltering at the two main UNMISS bases in town. Registration began in UNMISS Tomping on 23 December, with 894 people registered on the first day. The registration is being done simultaneously with distributions of basic food rations and household kits. Preparations are underway for a similar registration exercise in UN House. The main concern in the sites, in particular in UNMISS Tomping, is currently the lack of sanitation and the risks it poses for disease outbreak such as cholera in the sites. Large numbers of people have been seen leaving the city, including towards Nimule on the border with Uganda. There are already reports that people have crossed into Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, and aid agencies are mobilizing to monitor these population flows more closely, to ensure that people are assisted where necessary.
The situation in Jonglei deteriorated further, with reported clashes between different armed factions south of Bor. At the peacekeeping base in Bor, an estimated 17,000 people are sheltering. As of 22 December, all international aid workers have been relocated from Bor to Juba, though the base is being reinforced with additional peacekeeping troops. Additional protective barriers have also been constructed around the base, including the area hosting the displaced civilians. There has been large-scale looting of humanitarian compounds and civilian property. Looting has also been reported in Akobo, Jonglei State, and in Bentiu and Koch County, Unity State.
The displaced people who had been sheltering at the UNMISS in Pibor have left [fled?] the base.
The fighting, despite its complexity, is being portrayed as an “ethnic war” between the Dinka and Nuer. South Sudan President Kiir is of the Dinka ethnicity, while the rebel commander, the former vice-president Riek Machar, is an ethnic Nuer.
Estimated 81,000 people have been displaced, since 15 December 2013
5 of 10 States in South Sudan are affected by current wave of violence (States affected by violence and main reported concentrations of people displaced, says OCHA)
Estimated 45,000 people seeking refuge in UNMISS bases. (Includes reports of people in other locations not mapped. The total number of people displaced is likely higher, as aid agencies have very limited information about displacement outside main population centers.)
The UN Security Council voted on Tuesday to increase its peacekeepers from 7,000 to 12,500, and its international police force from 900 to 1,323.
Sudan was devastated by a 22-year civil war that left more than 1.5 million people dead prior to South Sudan becoming independent in 2011.
Mass Graves and Grave Abuses Committed Against Civilians
The UN High Commissioner for Human Chief Navi Pillay says a mass grave was found in the rebel-held town of Bentiu, and there were “reportedly at least two other mass graves” in the capital Juba.
“We have discovered a mass grave in Bentiu, in Unity State, and there are reportedly at least two other mass graves in Juba,” Ms Pillay said.
The situation is increasingly tense in Bentiu, with military mobilizations reported and sporadic fighting. Some 7,000 people are sheltering in the UNMISS base. Non-essential staff are being evacuated from Bentiu to Juba, in view of the deteriorating security situation, though essential staff remain to ensure response. Aid workers have also been pulled out of Yida and Ajoung Thok refugee sites.
In Bentiu, UNMISS peacekeeping troops remain in place. The situation is also fragile in Upper Nile State, where sporadic fighting has been reported in several locations in the past days. Protection of civilians, along with issues of lack of command and control of various armed groups, are serious concerns in all areas affected by fighting. There are credible reports of grave abuses committed against civilians in different parts of the country, including killings. Some of these abuses have reportedly been tied to the ethnic identity of the victims.
Deadly storms pummel northern US, eastern Canada leaving a million homes dark, cold
Deadly storms cut power to about a million homes in the U.S. and Canada, leaving at least 18 people dead, grounding hundreds of flights, delaying thousands more and causing major disruptions to transport networks throughout vast regions.
Ice storm has caused massive outages in the state of Michigan as well as in western and northern NY, leaving more than 2 inches of ice on trees and many roads.
On Monday, up to half a million homes and businesses in Michigan, upstate New York and northern New England and as many in eastern Canada remained without electricity as thick ice continued to fell trees and bring down power lines, according to reports.
Toronto’s Mayor has called the ice storm “one of the worst storms in Toronto history.”
The ice storm also battered New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, forcing New York Governor to declare a winter ice storm emergency on Friday in four counties where were more than 2 inches of ice covered the roads.
The Storm Prediction Center has recorded at least 12 confirmed tornado reports and more than 320 wind reports since Friday, December 20, 2013.
High and Low Temperatures for the contiguous U.S. on Monday
High Temperature: 86 degrees (30ºC) at Fort Myers/Southwest Florida, several other locations in FL
Low Temperature: -37 degrees (-38ºC) at 13 miles northeast of Poplar, MT
Source: NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD – Issued 7 pm EST Monday, December 23, 2013
“One of the worst storms in Toronto history,” kills at least 12, cuts power to 400,000 homes
A severe ice storm paralyzed eastern Canada with massive snow and freezing rain, leaving at least a dozen people dead and cutting power to at least 400,000 homes.
The system severely impacted Toronto, Canada’s largest city, as well as Ottawa and Montreal, forcing hundreds of flight cancellations and stranding thousands of people.
Toronto’s Mayor called the ice storm “one of the worst storms in Toronto history,” adding that he may declare a state of emergency.
Flooding caused by the storm killed at least four people in Kentucky earlier, while a tornado caused extensive damage in Arkansas.
At least three others have been killed in storm related incidents across the U.S.
The ice storm also battered New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, forcing New York Governor to declare a winter ice storm emergency in four counties where were more than 2 inches of ice covered the roads.
The storm left about half a million homes in the region without power and forced the closure of large section of public transport system.
The complex storm system brought a minor heatwave to the northeast, raising the mercury to record highs in New York City and Philadelphia on Saturday. The temperature in New York’s Central Park rose above 65 degrees, breaking a 2011 record of 62 degrees on Saturday and 71 degrees on Sunday, smashing a 1998 record of 63 degrees, while Philadelphia reported a record 68 degrees on Sunday, said NWS.
Other States of Emergency Declaration
Dozens of other counties, cities, towns and communities have also declared states of emergency for ice and snow due to the extreme weather brought by the ice storm including
Cities of Beloit and Sun Prairie in Wisconsin
City of Rockford, Illinois
City of North Liberty, Iowa
National High and Low Temperature (for the contiguous United States)
High Temperature for Sunday: 88 degrees at Punta Gorda, FL
Low Temperature for Sunday: -24 at Williston, NC
NWS Weather Prediction Center, College Park, MD Issued 1 am EST Monday, December 23, 2013
Major disaster declared in Texas due to severe storms and flooding
The White House has declared a major disaster exists in the State of Texas in the areas affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of October 30-31, 2013.
State officials had previously estimated the damage at less than the $35 million threshold required for federal aid, but revised their estimates for the damage to government facilities to more than $100 million in November.
The Halloween floods killed at least five people and destroyed hundreds of homes in central Texas.
The worst affected areas include the counties of Caldwell, Hays, and Travis.
“The vast majority of damage to public facilities, such as parks and roads, was in the city of Austin and Travis County along Onion Creek, which rapidly flooded after heavy overnight rain,” said a report.
Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments, said FEMA in a statement.
Fire Earth 